Industrial Aluminum production that uses an electrolysis process started in the year 1886. The process uses carbon anodes that produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in the extraction of Aluminum. The Elysis technology offers a better solution by using inert anodes that are not consumable and also produce oxygen as the only gas.
So why is this important? You may ask. Run your eyes below to learn more.
Apple cares about the environment
Apple is leading the race for the conservation of the environment by tech giants through the reduction of its carbon footprint. To best tackle this emission, the company has made major strides in various areas of its production as discussed below.
- Using clean energy in the operation of facilities: One of the most vital facilities in Apple’s operation is data centers which often consume more power. Thus the company is using solar and wind energy in its data centers like in Denmark and other areas.
- Manufacturing using low carbon and recycled Aluminum: Aluminum metal forms the biggest part of Apple products. However, it has a major setback in emitting carbon dioxide production. Initially, the company was using recycled Aluminum which requires light production and produces low emissions in producing MacBook as a preventive measure. Later, the company’s offered over 3 Billion dollars in support of the joint venture of Alcoa and Rio Tinto to produce carbon-free Aluminum. This process is cost-effective and releases a lot of oxygen that’s beneficial to the environment.
- Improving the design of its devices to induce low carbon: Most Apple products have advanced designs that reduce their energy consumption by more than 70%. Besides, they also produce some MacBook series using recycled aluminum which significantly reduced carbon emissions.
- Increasing Support to conservation initiatives: The company is offering significant support in Colombia initiatives for mangrove reforestation and conservation of 27,000 acres of land. This mangrove forest is vital in the production of oxygen, supporting livelihood, and retaining more carbon in the soil than normal forest.
The above methods have proved that Apple is on a mission to make the world a better place environmentally.
Let us now take a look at the use of this no-carbon Apple Aluminum in the iPhone SE and what it means.
Apple to use ELYSIS zero-carbon aluminum for the latest iPhone SE
Apple made a public declaration that they’ll be using no carbon Aluminum in manufacturing iPhone SE. To understand the impact of using this type of Aluminium, there’s a need for a careful look at its production. The traditional method is using electrolysis that relies on consumable carbon anodes to separate Aluminium from its oxides. It then produces oxygen that reacts with carbon to form Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Furthermore, the consumption of anodes requires replacement hence increasing the cost of this production.
On the contrary, the Elysis technology produces non-carbon Aluminum by substituting carbon anodes with inert anodes. It also eliminates carbon dioxide as it only produces oxygen. This process has no consumption of anodes which makes it cost-effective as it requires no replacement. Secondly, this production is beneficial to the environment as it eliminates greenhouse gasses and only produces oxygen.
Lastly, the decision to use aluminum that doesn’t have carbon in its production in iPhone SE is in line with their climate conservation goal. Considering their largest percentage of smartphone users, this move will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if adopted on its other products.
Apple’s experience is an example of how tech giants can care about the environment
For a long time, big tech companies have received a large share of the blame for their high carbon footprint. Apple has proved otherwise, through its creative moves.
First, this is a clear example that tech giants can contribute immensely to environmental conservation.
Moreover, tech giants can encourage clean manufacturing. The use of carbon-free aluminum is a good example of this transformation. Furthermore, tech giants can encourage their suppliers to initiate clean energy production.
To sum it up, more tech giants like Microsoft have joined in this movement by encouraging the Japanese government to initiate corporate renewable energy.
What does this mean for you?
The biggest takeaway from all this is that environment conservation is a collective act. As an individual, you can show support by properly disposing of electronic waste to encourage the use of recycled materials. This you can do by trading in your old devices like MacBook or having it proficiently restored by expert MacBook repair services.
In addition, such a responsible behavior of the technical giant inspires optimism. After all, we want not only to enjoy the benefits of technological progress, but also to save the Earth for our children.
Meta Description.
Apple has announced the use of Zero carbon Aluminum in their products. This article is discussing the impact of this move and how this shows the environmental responsibilities of tech giants.